The Wine Enthusiast’s Choice – 6 Bottle Collection

The Wine Enthusiast’s Choice – 6 Bottle Collection is a celebration of exceptional craftsmanship, curated for true connoisseurs. This collection showcases six standout wines, each handpicked for their distinct flavors, impeccable balance, and the passion of their winemakers. From bold reds to elegant whites, this selection promises a journey through some of the finest vineyards, offering an unforgettable tasting experience for any wine lover. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, this is a must-have for your cellar!

1 x Campo Maccione Vermentino 2023 - Tuscany, Italy

90/100 James Suckling
90/100 Wine Enthusiast
Bronze - Vinum
Bronze - Raffaele Vecchione - Wines Critic

92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2022 vintage)
90/100 James Suckling (2022 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2022 vintage)
92/100 Michael Apstein (2021 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2021 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2021 vintage)
90/100 Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic
Bronze - Rober Parker, Wine Advocate (2021 vintage)

Gold - Mundus Vini

Organic - currently undergoing certification

James Suckling "A delicious, fruity and subtle vermentino with aromas of pears, ripe peaches and wild herbs on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Seductive and minerally at the center, with a delicious core of crunchy fruit in the crisp finish"

Wine Enthusiast "The nose is fresh and clean, with aromas of lemon, lime, ocean air and bike tire. On the palate, a backbone of hazelnuts and almonds creates a savory feel, although green and yellow apple flavors and more citrus preserve a piercing quality. Tannins are present, even within a river of acid."

Raffaele Vecchione - Wines Critic "In its sensory profile, it reveals notes of magnolia, gardenia, jasmine, acacia, lemon peel, and white pepper. Full-bodied, with a "fat" mouthfeel, it finishes warm and enveloping. Sweet on the finish."

Wine Enthusiast "A nose that's heady and sweet in an indulgent way, with grapefruit candy, green apple, almond and honey, opens for a palate that reiterates these flavors." (2022 vintage)

James Suckling "Aromatic, with a toasted-grain character to the ripe pear and lemon fruit. Medium-bodied with the same savory character taking center-stage, but the fruit is ever-present, too. A light phenolic touch along the way. An interesting take on Tuscan vermentino." (2022 vintage)

Falstaff "Pale straw yellow with silver highlights. On the nose yellow peach and sliced apple, reverberating on culinary herbs. On the palate a creamy texture, fresh acidity and fruit-driven course, persistent." (2022 vintage)

Michael Apstein "To capture the crisp clean character of this wine, Rocca delle Macìe harvests the grapes early in the morning, when it is cool. Then, they are kept on dry ice until they reach the winery where a cold fermentation occurs in stainless tanks. Excellent depth balances its cutting edginess. A saline-tinged minerality in the finish just adds to its enjoyment. A terrific value!" (2021 vintage)

James Suckling "Freshly cut lime and seashell in the nose. Medium to full body, layers of fruit and a bitter-lemon and pear aftertaste. Delicious." (2021 vintage)

Falstaff "Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. Intense and fragrant nose of elderflower, lemon and acacia, reverberating with hints of Mediterranean scrub and almonds. On the palate it is salty and clear, filigree, with a long finish." (2021 vintage)

Raffaela Vecchione, Wine Critic "Of medium sensory intensity, it offers notes of geraniums, hawthorn, and linden flowers. Medium to full-bodied, with a solid and compact structure, and a spicy finish." (2021 vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Fresh grass, stone, citrus and the peppery herbaceousness of new olive oil show on the nose of this Vermentino. The wine remains savory on the palate with brine and stones but also toasted nuts, tahini and shortbread. These contrast with the bright acidic pop of lemon juice alongside rich lemon curd." (2021 vintage)

Rober Parker, Wine Advocate "...is easy-drinking and bright. It offers a lean and short performance with lemon, crushed chalk and dried grass." (2021 vintage)

100% Vermentino
Alcohol: 13%

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.

Enjoy this wine made on the Zingarelli family’s Maremma estates. Morellino di Scansano takes center-stage but has been complemented over the years by white and rosé wines bearing the recently created Maremma DOC denomination, along with Typical Geographical Indication (IGT) wines in a more modern style that nevertheless respects the Tuscan tradition.

Vermentino (“vur-men-teeno”) is a light-bodied white wine that grows mostly in Italy on the island of Sardinia. What’s exciting about Vermentino is it can be deliciously complex in taste in similar style to Sauvignon Blanc; One style is richer and creamier and the other is lighter, more floral and zestier. Because Vermentino is so unknown, you can find high quality wines for a great value. Wines with similar body and taste profile include Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Soave and Verdejo.
Despite the typical light-bodied character of Vermentino, it’s actually quite complex to taste. A glass of classic Sardinia Vermentino will offer up lively aromas of pear, white peach, lime and pink grapefruit with subtle notes of crushed rocks and citrus zest. On the palate, Vermentino is almost always dry and somewhat oily with flavors of grapefruit and citrus, with a crushed rocky minerality and saltiness. On the finish, it can be a bit snappy with bitterness similar to the taste of grapefruit pith or, if it’s on the riper side, fresh almond.
In Provence, Vermentino is called Rolle (“roll”). It’s the secret ingredient to the region’s top-rated Rosé.

The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.

The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna.

1 x Te Mata Estate Vineyard Syrah 2020 - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

95/100 Wine enthusiast
96/100 Decanter (2019 vintage)
95/100 Wine Enthusiast (2019 vintage)
94/100 Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2018 vintage)
90/100 Bob Campbell, The Real Review (2016 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2015 vintage)
91/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2015 vintage)
90/100 Decanter (2015 vintage)

Wine enthusiast "This historic Hawke's Bay estate once again delivers a delicious and exceptionally well-priced bottling. A blend of three subregions, including the famed Gimblett Gravels, this ruby red Syrah sings with vibrant plum and berry fruit, cracked black pepper, graphite, dried florals and chocolate mint. Aromas flow seamlessly onto the palate, which threads finely structured tannins through the juicy fruit, herbs and spice, emerging out the other side to form a complete wine that is both serious and playful, food-friendly and highly drinkable."

Decanter "Dark crimson with notes of raspberry, red plum, lavender, cinnamon and five spice. Concentrated and rich with firm tannins and a long, sweet berry fruit-flavoured finish. The berry sweet flavour balances the spice levels, while the cinnamon note lifts the spice flavour, making for a fabulous pairing." (2019 vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Te Mata's estate Syrah is once again a lucid, approachable beauty. This vintage is more layered than the previous one, unraveling flavors and textures. First, bright cherry and plum arise, then graphite, savory herbs and flowers chime in. The palate is linear and taut, with leathery tannins, crisp acidity and tart fruit. There's a savory edge to the finish. It's a serious yet highly drinkable Syrah, especially when paired with roast lamb." (2019 vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "There is a simplicity to this wine, made by one of New Zealand's most historic wineries. But simple can be beautiful, particularly when it comes to red wines on the fuller end of the spectrum. At first sniff, pristine red fruit is woven with licorice, olives, herbs and slightly chocolaty oak. But as it opens in the glass, the oak fades and warm stone minerality takes its place. Firmly medium bodied, the tangy fruit is interlaced with savory herbs and balanced by lifted acidity and chalky tannins. This is cool climate Syrah that is unpretentious yet wholly sure of itself. " (2018 vintage)

Bob Campbell, The Real Review "Fruit-focused wine with black pepper, violet, plum, berry and spice. Bone-dry, but not austere, with slightly grippy tannins." (2016 vintage)

James Suckling "Some white pepper and attractive bacon fat here with a wealth of blackberry fruits - toasty oak spice brings extra appeal to the nose. The palate has slippery, smooth and silky tannins, plenty of depth, fleshy red cherry and blackberry fruit and a resounding sense of fluidity and polish." (2015 vintage)

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep purple/red colour and a pronounced peppery aroma, fresh and clean. The wine is medium-bodied and crisp in the mouth; fresh and lively with balanced acid and tannins and just a light, nicely judged grip on the end - which also tastes peppery. Very good and very much a cool-climate shiraz style." (2015 vintage)

Decanter "Medium-bodied Syrah, with the flowing silky red fruits indicative of its Bridge Pa and Woodthorpe origins. Aromas of violet, peony, raspberry, cranberry, sandalwood and star anise." (2015 vintage)

100% Syrah
Alcohol: 13%

World of Fine Wine 'Getting to know a legend' "A visit to one of the world’s greatest fine-wine estates should be an integral part of any tour of New Zealand. On the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island is the independently owned, family-run, Te Mata Estate. Owners and staff still work on vineyards that began growing Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir back in the 1890s, making it the country’s oldest wine estate. Since 1905, this winery has been winning gold medals globally, which led to these sites becoming the country’s first to be protected by law due to their viticultural history. Te Mata Estate wines are currently available in 45 countries and have been presented at some of the world’s top tables— including to President Barrack Obama, President Xi Jinping, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee."

Raymond Chan "Te Mata Estate was the standard by which every other wine producer could be judged against, as the full range of styles has always been impeccable. In the earlier days, Hawke’s Bay was the scene of New Zealand’s quality wine, so it was very apt to have Te Mata Estate as the point of reference. Even when other regions developed, and Marlborough grew larger, and other varietals such as Pinot Noir became important, one could understand the state of the New Zealand wine industry by how Te Mata Estate behaved or reacted to influences, whether internal, or international."

Te Mata Estate is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important wine producers. It is New Zealand's oldest winery, oldest wine estate and has the oldest winery cellars in the country - in continuous operation since 1895. Coleraine is Te Mata's most acclaimed wine and is often regarded as New Zealand's best red wine.

Hawke's Bay is located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island in and around the cities of Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. This historic region has New Zealand's second-largest wine industry (after Marlborough) and is highly regarded for its red Bordeaux Blend wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay are all planted widely across the region. Over the years, the region has won international acclaim for its very high-quality Bordeaux-style reds and full-bodied Chardonnays. Syrah, produced in a classic European style with strong black-pepper flavors, is another grape variety thought to have great potential here.

Syrah is a dark-skinned red wine grape. Its origins have been popularly debated, but its modern viticultural home is unquestionably the northern Rhône Valley of eastern France. In Australia, Syrah is the flagship variety and has developed such a distinct personality that it is essentially regarded as a distinct variety, is commonly known as Shiraz.

1 x Domaine du Pourpre Moulin-a-Vent 2020 ~ Beaujolais, France

93/100 James Suckling
91/100 Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
93/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (2019 vintage)
94-95/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage)

Silver - Les Vinalies

James Suckling "This is very velvety and deep with loads of fruit, highlighted by hints of vanilla and cedar. The palate is full-bodied and shows lots of structured, velvety tannins that give the wine verve and depth. This is always excellent."

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast "Spicy and perfumed, this wine offers good structure as well as ripe black fruits. A touch of vanilla highlights the tannins and solid texture."

James Suckling "Plum, dark cherry and some blueberry on the nose with clove, bark and dried violets. It’s medium-to full-bodied with tight-grained tannins and crisp acidity. Sleek and powerful." (2019 vintage)

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "Offering up discreet aromas of earthy blackcurrant and raspberry fruit, the 2019 Moulin-à-Vent Domaine du Pourpre is medium to full-bodied, with rustic tannins and ripe acids, lacking a little energy and flesh." (2019 vintage)

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast "This fifth-generation estate is well placed in the heart of Moulin-à-Vent. The structure and dense black fruits speak to this wine's potential and richness." (2019 vintage)

James Suckling "This shows fantastic potential already with super richness and length. Lots of crushed stones, flowers and dark fruit. Medium to full body, integrated and firm tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Hints of asphalt and tar." (2018 vintage)

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast "This wine has structure as well as vibrant black fruits. Its juicy, fruity character contrasts with the open, perfumed flavors." (2018 vintage)

Winemaker "Purple color. Intense and complex nose with floral scents (rose, peony), aromas of black fruits, kirsch notes, enhanced by scents of sweet spices and pepper. The palate is ample, rich, full-bodied with good fat. It offers mentholated, silky and racy tannins which give it a good structure. Good persistence in the finish."

100% Gamay

Decanter "Moulin-à-Vent is considered the ‘king’ of the ten Beaujolais crus for the power, concentration, structure and ageability of its wines."

Domaine du Pourpre is a family-run estate in the commune of Chénas. The Meziat family has been running it for 5 generations. Vines are more than 50 years old.

This wine is produced by Les Vins Georges Duboeuf which is one of the largest wine producers in France founded by the late Georges Duboeuf who was affectionately known as 'le roi du Beaujolais' (the king of Beaujolais) or sometimes pape du Beaujolais (Pope of Beaujolais). Les Vins Georges Duboeuf produces a staggering 3 million cases of wine annually. The company is most well-known for its popularization and production of Beaujolais wines. In 2018 Georges’ passed control of his company to his son Franck Duboeuf, who is considered to be one of the key specialists in Beaujolais, its terroir and its wine, and has shifted production to focus more on Beaujolais Nouveau.

Moulin-à-Vent is situated in the north of the Beaujolais region in France. It is one of the most famous crus and named after the local windmill – the literal translation of the name. It is a historic appellation with a vine-growing history dating back hundreds of years. It was officially granted appellation status in 1936 – one of the first in the country.

Beaujolais is an important wine region of eastern France in the southern part of Burgundy, famous for its vibrant, fruity red wines made from Gamay. It is located immediately south of Burgundy, of which it is sometimes considered to be a part, despite being within the Rhone administrative region. The widespread plantings of Gamay here make Beaujolais one of the few regions of the world to be so focused on a single grape variety. In some vintages, Beaujolais produces more wine than the Burgundy wine regions of Chablis, Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais put together.

Gamay is a grape variety that is most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven red wines of Beaujolais. While the variety offers fresh, red-fruit and candied aromas, it typically delivers little in the way of flavor concentration and body weight, giving light, simple wines.

1 x McHenry Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard BDX 2020 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia

94/100 The Wine Front
93/100 Erin Larkin (Halliday's Wine Companion)
93/100 Stuart Knox (The Real Review)
92/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
91/100 Wine Enthusiast
93/100 Erin Larkin (2019 vintage)
93/100 Stuart Knox (2019 Vintage)
94/100 Campbell Mattinson (2018 vintage)
94/100 Nick Butler (2018 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
93/100 The Wine Front (2017 vintage)
93/100 Steven Creber (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Halliday (2016 vintage)

5 Star Winery - James Halliday

Halliday's Wine Companion Awards 2023 - Top Wineries of 2022 & 2023

53/37/10% malbec/cabernet sauvignon/petit verdot

Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin "The malbec brings the purple fruit and the spice, the cabernet is responsible for the structure in the mouth, the supple tannins and the flash of pure cassis in the mouth. The petit verdot brings the violet, the depth and the darkness. All of it coming together in magnificent fashion in the glass. Very smart."

The Real Review, Stuart Knox "Almost opaque at the core, moving into a deep ruby-red at the rim. Mulberry, cedar wood and mint aromatics. Dark fruits fill the palate, then tangential lines of choc-mint and bresaola bring contrast and savoury complexity to the experience. It sits bold with equally drying tannins, making you take notice of its presence."

Erin Larkin "All varieties fermented separately in concrete vats, matured in mostly used French oak for 15 months (the cabernet in 20% new oak). The nose on this Bordeaux blend is dusty, spicy and loaded with dark fruit. On the palate there is a core of berries, but it is shaped and surrounded by those dusty tannins. Verging on a hulking wine, this is intense and lingering, the fruit winning out in the end. A lot to like, but not easygoing." (2019 vintage)

Stuart Knox "Deep and rich purple core with a bright and vibrant purple rim. Blackcurrants, tobacco leaf and ground coffee aromatics. A medium to full-weighted palate with dark fruits and cured meats flowing throughout. The tannins are even and well-integrated though it is still a very youthful expression. A different take on a classic Margaret River style, and one that suits it very well" (2019 vintage)

Campbell Mattinson "Mostly malbec and cabernet sauvignon with a dash of petit verdot. It's sweet-fruited and svelte with plenty of juicy, berried fruit and the perfume to match. Redcurrant and blackcurrant with peppercorn and cedar wood. Hums along before keen tannin drags it all into line." (2018 vintage)

Nick Butler "It's a brooder in the glass - bright purple and unyielding. A heady mix of tobacco leaf, mulberries and dried herbs. A lovely nose. Mocha and Cherry Ripe lead the palate; fruit is there but it never strays too far from home base - fine-grained tannins and tapenade. It will age gracefully for a long time. An aristocratic blend that represents exceptional value " (2018 vintage)

James Suckling "Deep, earthy, rich ripe fruit on offer here with a strapping delivery of rich, dense tannin that carries plenty of blue and purple-fruit flavor. A blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2018 vintage)

Steven Creber "62% malbec, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 15% petit verdot. Fermented separately in concrete, 15 months in oak. Aromas of red berries with a perfumed lift on the bouquet, each variety seeming to play a part. A medium-bodied palate, quite soft and juicy at first, and then tangy, pippy astringency taking over and following through." (2017 vintage)

James Halliday "Still has good depth of colour, and the components - fruit, oak and tannins - have come together convincingly. The mouthfeel is totally delicious, seeming to create a line of juicy flavour that grows as it travels along the mouth, peaking as it reaches the back-palate." (2016 vintage)

The Winemaker "warm spring with a full water table ensured good flowering and crop set. Summer was moderate with a large rain event mid vintage ensuring wines were never stressed. Picking dates were consistent with recent averages." (2016 vintage)

Founded by one of the pioneers of the Margaret River winemaking region, David Hohnen, and his brother in law, Murray McHenry, an accomplished fine wine retailer. Both have been making wine in Margaret River since the early 1970s. McHenry Hohnen vineyards are 100% biodynamic. Their three unique vineyards (Burnside, Calgardup and Hazel’s) produce wines that are a reflection of the land. McHenry Hohnen focus on crafting site expressive wines and are known for producing some of the region's best wines.

Margaret River is one of the best known wine regions in Australia, recognized internationally for the quality of its wines and the natural beauty of the region. Although originally renowned for its unusually refined cabernet sauvignon and intensely citrusy chardonnay varieties, the region now produces high quality Semillon-Sauvignon blends and Shiraz.

Located in the south-western corner of Western Australia, it is famous for having a more 'European' wine style than its counterparts across Australia, owing to the regions temperate, coastal location which is very similar to that of Bordeaux.

A Bordeaux Blend is any combination of those grape varieties typically used to make the red wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon is widely accepted as a compulsory component of any Bordeaux Blend along with Merlot. In fact, the majority of Bordeaux Blend wines are often made exclusively from a blend of these two varieties. The remaining components are Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

1 x Chateau Larose-Trintaudon Cru Bourgeois Superieur 2018 - Bordeaux, France

92/100 Andreas Larsson
91/100 James Suckling
91/100 Wine Enthusiast
91/100 Falstaff
90/100 Decanter
90/100 VertdeVin
Bronze - Wine Spectator
Bronze - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

91/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
Bronze - VertdeVin (2017 vintage)
Bronze - CellarTracker (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Andreas Larsson (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2017 vintage)
Commended - Jean- Marc Quarin (2017 vintage)

Grand Gold - Frankfurt International Trophy
Silver - Lyon International Wine Competition
Bronze - Concours General Agricole Paris
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2017 vintage)
Commeded - International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage)

Andreas Larsson "Bright dark purple colour. Fragrant dark fruit like cassis, plum, cherry, fine oak and mild spices. Ample palate with good proportions, ripe tannin, fresh acidity and digest dark fruit flavours, crushed berries, tobacco and mild oak notes followed by a long a finish."

James Suckling "A fine, linear red with currants, blackberries and some chocolate and hazelnuts. Medium to full body. Medium round tannins. Pretty finish."

Wine Enthusiast "From one of the largest estates in the Médoc, this wine is packed with black-currant fruits and elegant tannins. Initially it seems light, but a core of structure and classic poise between fruit and tannin make the wine a candidate for aging."

Falstaff "Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. Fresh dark forest berry fruit, a hint of liquorice, delicate orange zest. Juicy, elegant and balanced, pleasant fruit expression, ripe plums, integrated tannins, juicy finish, good food wine, great price-performance ratio."

Decanter "The really impressive thing about this estate is that it manages to deliver consistent good quality over a sizeable production (up to 800,000 bottles). Located directly opposite Larose Perganson on complex gravel, sandy-gravel and clay-limestone soils, this gives you Médoc character with cassis and bilberry, and a eucalyptus wash through the finish. Plenty to enjoy and no need to wait too long to do so."

VertdeVin "The nose is fruity and offers a small concentration as well as a fine richness. It reveals notes of pulpy raspberry, crushed strawberry and small notes of crushed cassis associated with touches of violet, small fresh/pulpy red fruits as well as a hint of small blue fruits, liquorice, cardamom and a very discreet hint of vanilla. The palate is fresh, fruity and offers minerality, juiciness, gourmandize as well as a fine acidulous frame, a fine richness and sapidity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of bright cassis, pulpy/juicy cherry and small notes of crushed raspberry associated with touches of violet, lilac, vanilla as well as very discreet hints of liquorice and chocolate. Good length. Tannins are fine and precise."

Wine Spectator "Succulent cherry and black currant preserve flavors have good energy, picking up sweet tobacco, cedar and iron hints along the way."

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Medium-bodied, soft, forward, early drinking charmer with no hard edges, just plenty of ripe, sweet, red fruits from start to finish."

James Suckling "Aromas and flavors of blueberries, violets and lemon rind follow through to a medium body, firm tannins and a fruity and salty, medium finish. Well done for the vintage." (2017 vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "The massive 550-acre property is situated right next to Pauillac's vineyards. This wine's ripe texture and generous berry fruits are balanced by a fresh edge typical of the vintage. With a base of tannins, the wine will age well." (2017 vintage)

VertdeVin "The nose is aromatic and offers a small concentration and a fine freshness. It reveals notes of fleshy raspberry, vanilla and small notes of toasted almond associated with a touch of cherry as well as fine hints of blackberry and a very discreet hint of cardamom. The mouth is fruity and offers an acidulous frame, juiciness and a fine grain. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of fleshy/fresh raspberry, fleshy/fresh cherry as well as fine hints of racy minerality and a subtle hint of nutmeg. Good length." (2017 vintage)

Andreas Larsson "Rather dark colour with a purple hue. Youthful aromas of wood and new oak, fresh cassis and red berries with some dry spices and tobacco. Rather full palate, still in a youthful phase with pronounced tannin, but balanced in an age worthy classic style, generous fruit, balanced oak and rather good length." (2017 vintage)

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Fruity, forward and fresh, this medium-bodied, red pit fruit-filled wine is ready to go for near term, soft textured, easy-drinking pleasure." (2017 vintage)

45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot

Chateau Larose Trintaudon's vineyards were first planted in 1838. The beautiful chateau was built in 1870 by the owner at the time, Comte Ernest de Lahens. During the late 1800’s, the property was even larger than it is today as Ernest de Lahens was able to increase the size of their vineyards to 345 hectares of vines.

The Haut-Médoc is a sub-appellation within the larger Médoc appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. Situated between the Gironde estuary that runs down to the city of Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast, this is the home of some of Bordeaux’s famous chateaux. The six famous communes of the Médoc are contained within its boundaries: Margaux, Moulis, Listrac, St Julien, Pauillac and St Estèphe. The vineyard land that lies outside of these communes is classified as the Haut-Médoc; the result being that you can often find well-known Cru Bourgeois chateaux alongside the Cru Classé chateaux in the same appellation.

A Bordeaux Blend is any combination of those grape varieties typically used to make the red wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon is widely accepted as a compulsory component of any Bordeaux Blend along with Merlot. In fact, the majority of Bordeaux Blend wines are often made exclusively from a blend of these two varieties. The remaining components are Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

1 x Domaine des Evigneaux Rouge 2019 - Rasteau, France

93/100 James Suckling
92/100 Wine Enthusiast
92/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
91/100 Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage)
90/100 Andreas Larsson - Tasted (2018 vintaeg)
90/100 CellarTracker (2018 vintage)

2 Stars - Bettane & Desseauve
2 Stars - Le Guide Hachette des Vins (2018 vintage)

Gold - Paris General Agricultural Competition
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 vintage)

James Suckling "Full and spicy nose with touches of smoked bacon and terracotta. Although endowed with good concentration, this Rasteau is not marked by power with a fresh and elegant palate which ends with a nice interplay of fine tannins and mineral freshness. Blend of Grenache and Syrah. To enjoy or to keep."

Wine Enthusiast "Savory notes of crushed earth and hints of clay accentuate the decadent flavors of blackberry and raspberry jam in this textured and balanced blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Outperforming and consistent among the Rasteaus, it shows the complexity of the exciting vintage terroir."

Decanter World Wine Awards "Obvious oak, with sweet spices and caramelly fruit. Juicy palate, with good concentration and grippy tannins."

James Suckling "Has plenty of spicy, meaty and juicy fruit character. Full body and a round, flavorful finish." (2018 vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Dusty, baked-clay minerality penetrates from nose to finish in this velveteen red. A full-bodied blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre, it's deeply concentrated, with flavors of dried plums and black figs. Subtleties of smoked meat, leather and earth lend nuance and depth." (2018 vintage)

Andreas Larsson - Tasted "Intense dark purple colour. Modern expression with new oak and pure dark fruit notes. Silky and rounded palate with good volume and integrated oak, ripe dark fruit flavours and spicy finish. Fine density and length." (2018 vintge)

Le Guide Hachette des Vins " Character and brilliance...A dominant grenache (50%) and four other southern grape varieties combine in this cuvée aged partly in amphorae and partly in barrels. A lovely nose fond of fresh grapes and morello cherries enhanced with a floral touch is followed by a dynamic, ample and fruit-concentrated palate, built on well-established tannins and harmonious woodiness." (2018vintage)

50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
Alcohol: 14.5%

The Domaine Les Évigneaux extends over 10 hectares in Rasteau, a charming village in the south of the Rhône Valley. Perched on a hill facing the Dentelles de Montmirail, the rugged terrain of the Rasteau vineyard offers a great diversity of soils and a colorful landscape. From one terrace to another, along the slopes, we go from clay-limestone soil to blue marl, from rolled pebbles to red marl. With more than fifteen plots spread across the entire Rasteau appellation, our Domaine takes full advantage of this geological diversity which has made the reputation of this Rhône Valley Cru.

Originally from Bordeaux, the Lavau family has been involved with winemaking for generations, and have had vineyards ranging from Bordeaux to Tunisia. In 1964 they were seduced by the richness and quality of the Provencal soil, and settled down to make wine in the Rhone Valley.